"Come on, boys, you'll have to hurry home fast to prevent catching cold after your swim." So saying and offering his arm to Mrs Gilmour, who was feeling faint after all the anxiety she had gone through, the brisk old gentleman led the way round the castle.
He insisted that Bob and Dick should run races across the common on their way towards the south parade, in which gymnastic display Miss Nellie and Rover both joined, for company sake as well as to set a good example; the big black retriever going over more ground than either of the competitors ere they reached `The Moorings,' as Mrs Gilmour's house was christened.
"Won't you come in ?" said Mrs Gilmour on their getting to the door, when the Captain raised his hat in token of adieu.

"Do come in and have a rest, me dear Captain ?" "No, thanks, not up to cribbage to-night," he replied, shaking his head and chuckling.

"Feel my old bones too sore from sliding down that confounded rampart.

I mustn't keep you chattering here, however, for you've got to see about those youngsters.

You are sure you don't mind the trouble of putting up my foundling Dick for the night, eh ?" "I should think not, especially after his jumping into the sea so nobly after Bob; and the poor boy, sure, not able to swim either!" said she warmly.